Claire Ann Stanley

Claire A. (Caouette) Stanley, 91, longtime El Pasoan, retired Infection Control Nurse at Thomason General Hospital, wife and mother, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at The Monte Vista at Coronado in El Paso, TX. Claire was born May 11, 1923 in Minneapolis, MN. She married the love of her life, H. Gene Stanley, on June 1, 1944 in Columbia, SC, when they embarked on the adventure of their lives. After Gene returned from WWII in Europe, they started a family in Minnesota. In 1950, Claire and Gene traveled to Japan with their growing family, returning to MN in 1954. In 1957, they moved to Fort Bliss on assignment, and never left El Paso. In the 1960s Claire worked in the home as a professional seamstress for JC Penny making custom draperies. Claire was an active volunteer in PTA and Arrowhead Neighborhood Girl Scouts. After volunteering as a candy striper, Claire enrolled in nursing school, and in 1972 earned a degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She worked at Beaumont Hospital and later at Thomason General Hospital, where she was selected to be the first Infection Control Nurse for the hospital. After retirement, Claire traveled extensively with Gene, including cruises and trips throughout the US including Alaska and many trips to Hawaii. There were also international trips including Australia, The Caribbean, England, France, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Germany, and Russia. In addition to travel, Claire spent considerable time volunteering in a wide variety of worthy causes across El Paso, including Child Crisis Center, Showtime El Paso, La Viña festival, El Paso Women's Club, and the Ft. Bliss Museum and Study Center. Claire was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years and her son Richard M. Stanley. She is survived by her six children: Timothy D. Stanley, Teresa L. Wiley, Michael L. Stanley, Lynda S. Williams, Rita M. Lollock, and Christopher G. Stanley; her six grandchildren: Christie D. Stanley, Marcie J. Kober, Brian D. Stanley, Laurel L. Williams, Daniel C. Stanley, and Allison R. Lollock; and she is also survived by six great grandchildren: Kasey, Logan, Reese, Bella, Jade, and Maddie Sue. Claire will be missed by her family and large circle of friends. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home West, 480 N. Resler Dr., Paso, TX 79912. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere St., El Paso, Texas 79912. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net